Arsenal Step Up Their Interest In Cuadrado; Fiorentina Keen To Retain Colombian Winger

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Fiorentina are keen to hold on to their Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado while Arsenal FC step up their interest in signing him.

The 26-year-old is currently preparing for Colombia’s Round of 16 clash against Uruguay in the World Cup and Cuadrado has produced some wonderful performance so far in Brazil. Jose Pekerman’s side has been one of the most exciting teams in the World Cup so far and the Fiorentina winger has caught the attention of a lot of European clubs. Cuadrado has already provided three assists and a goal in three matches so far and this comes after a solid season with Fiorentina in the Serie A.

The Italian club finished fourth last season and Cuadrado produced 11 goals and five assists in 31 starts in the league. The numbers are impressive considering the various positions he was played across the season. One of Cuadrado’s greatest strength is his versatility. The former Udinese player has played as a right winger, wide forward (both left and right), striker, central attacking midfielder and as a right back.

Recent reports suggest that Arsene Wenger is keen to sign the Colombian star and according to Sportitalia, he has scheduled a meeting with his agent Alessandro Lucci in London next week. The Gunners are expected to spend heavily in this summer and Cuadrado joins the host of names that have been linked with a move to the Emirates.

It will be interesting to see the role in which Wenger wishes to uses Cuadrado. Arsenal are in need of a right back after the departure of Bacary Sagna and the Cuadrado can fit into that role, but his best has arrived as a winger and Wenger is reportedly keen to add another wide player as well following the fitness concerns of Theo Walcott.

But Arsenal will face competition from both Bayern Munich and Barcelona. The Spanish clubs are looking to rebuild their squad after a disappointing season and Cuadrado is a target they are interested in acquiring, while according to Sky Sport, Bayern Munich has already held a meeting with Cuadrado’s agent in Germany.

Fiorentina though are keen to hold onto their prized asset, although co-owner Andrea Della admits that Cuadrado’s performance in the World Cup is sure to attract a lot of interest.